The July meeting of the Bayfield-Ashland Counties EMS Council was called to order by Dean Hambrecht, President of the Council. The meeting was held in the Gull Island/Stockton Island Room of MMC/Ashland.

Motion made by Gary Victorson, seconded by Teresa Gunderson, to approve the minutes of the June meeting as written. Motion carried.

NO TREASURER’S REPORT.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

COMMUNICATIONS – Discussion about current radio communications concerns. Several services in Bayfield County reported difficulty in receiving pages with nothing being consistent. Dr. John Schulz encouraged services to notify him if the paging problems were impacting patient care. Jan Victorson encouraged services to document the time, date, and concerns and call Chief Deputy Paul Susienka. If immediate assistance is needed (repage, etc.), call the dispatcher by radio or telephone at 373-6120.

MDAC (Medical Director Advisory Committee) – John Schulz, medical director, reported that MDAC discussed several issues:

- The C-Spine protocol has been sent to the EMS Office for review.

- There was a lengthy discussion as to whether or not a Tazer protocol is needed. The EMS Office and other services will be asked if there are already existing Tazer protocols.

- Pediatric Defibrillation was discussed with the resolve to find out which services have the capability of using pediatric pads.

- Continuing Education is planned to begin in September with either C-Spine or Trauma as the topic.

WEBSITE – The EMS Council website is up and running – www.bac-ems.com. Dr. Schulz is looking for information from each service including history, pictures, promote service, etc. Get the information to him and he will put it on the website.

WITC – Cindy Lazorik reported that the EMT-Basic class is approved to being August 19^th. Application forms should be submitted to WITC prior to the 19^th. She is also planning for a second class beginning in January. A medical first responder course is planned for the Glidden area.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT – Jan Victorson requested Bayfield County services to consider where public access defibrillators should be placed if an award if received in 2005. Discussion about the current defibrillator locations.

RTAC (Regional Trauma Advisory Council) – No report as they are not meeting until September.

HELICOPTER EMS – Jan Victorson reviewed a letter sent by Arrowhead EMS to services related to helicopter communications and landing zone use. Ed Hofstrand reminded those present not to approach the helicopter without being visualized and motioned forward by crew members. Discussion about planning for helicopter use and landing zone training for Dispatchers, Law, Fire and EMS agencies at two or three locations in the two counties. Ed suggested some classroom time, video, and potentially landing the ship if available.

Teresa Gunderson reported that Mason Fire and Ambulance departments conducted a mock accident that included landing the helicopter in the Village of Mason. They had an announcer that explained step-by-step what was happening. It appeared to raise the community’s awareness.

EVENTS – Several events are coming up that require outside assistance with EMS coverage: Firehouse Fifty – July 31^st; Bayfield County Fair – August 13, 14, 15^th; Fat Tire Festival – September 18 and 19^th.

PNB SCENARIO – Ashland County is discussing the PNB scenario at the next emergency services meeting.

Discussion about need for formal memo to all services encouraging EMTs to be released from the scene as soon as possible.

NEXT MEETING – The next meeting of the Council will be held on Thursday, August 26^th. Consensus of those present to continue meeting at MMC with MDAC meeting at 6:30 PM and the Council at 7:30 PM.

Motion made by Dan Diamon, seconded by Gary Victorson to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.

IN ATTENDANCE

Bill Andresen Bayfield

Ron Brendalen Mellen

Merrilee Carlson MMC EMS Coordinator

Dan Diamon Gold Cross

Teresa Gunderson Mason

Tam Hofman South Shore

Ed Hofstrand SMDC/Lifeflight

Del Jerome Barnes

Cindy Lazorik WITC

Mike LaGrew Red Cliff

Mary Ross Madeline Island

John Schulz Medical Director

Dorothy Tank Ashland County EM

Gary Victorson Iron River

Jan Victorson Bayfield County EM